KVM switch..is this the hardware I need?

[imaheadcase]

Problem: Some games/apps I want to run, would rather run on a 2nd computer..I don't want to spend $600 for the same monitor I have, plus take up massive desk space for the 24 inch monitor.

Solution?? Get a KVM switch and use 1 monitor/mouse/keyboard to control that computer.

So thats my problem in general..what I have now is:
1x Dell 2407WFP-HC 24inch at 1920x1200 using the DVI connection
2x copies vista business, 1 for each PC
2x computers with video cards with DVI connections x2 on back.


What I want to do is be able to switch between computers, keep same rez, do it quickly without lag between times, some lag is "ok" if small time, but none preferable.

Questions:
1.Is this the product(s) I would Need?
Aluratek AVW02H 2-Port HDMI Video Switch w/cables&remote (FOR VIDEO)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817422012
2. I would need to get HDMI to DVI converters for cables correct?
3. Since this KVM does not transfer audio (WITH DVI MODE)/keyboard/mouse functions, would my sound still come over speakers when I switch video over to 2nd PC without audio?
4. Can I use a standard USB KVM for JUST keyboard/mouse and use hook up video to it since they can't support 24 inch native rez of 1920x1200 (1600x1200 max i've seen)?


I hate the though of spending $600 for a monitor like mine (less desk space to) vs $90 for a PC I would use on occasion for certain tasks.

 

[stlcardinals]

First of all, the product you linked is not a KVM switch, it is just an HDMI switch.

You are wanting a DVI KVM switch w/ audio.

DVI KVM $199 w/USB $149 w/PS/2

As far as the resolution, I can't say for sure that it will work higher then 1600x1200.

 

[imaheadcase]

That is precisely why I linked to the HDMI switch..because USB ones don't support 24inch rez. I was hoping to get that and use usb kvm for just mouse/keyboard..but no place has said it would work.

You would think with the massive amounts of 24 inch monitors and my setup they would have something like that.

So could I use that HDMI switcher + normal KVM for mouse/keyboard to get my regular rez on same monitor for both PCs?

Or is there to more technical problems resulting from this.

 

[stlcardinals]

I guess you could try the hdmi switch route, I haven't tried one with an HDMI -> DVI converter.

I guess you could also ask yourself, does the second computer really need to run at 1900 x 1200?

Would it be easier just to get a second monitor say at 1280 x 1024 and use a regular kvm switch to switch just the keyboard and mouse?

 

[imaheadcase]

Well it does need to run at that rez, since its the standard rez for monitor to run at. If not, switching between computers will cause all sorts of monitor graphics glitches, especially while in games. Again, its a space issue I don't want to have a nice monitor and a crappy monitor side-by-side when ideally a simple KVM option should work just as well. I had a old vga one that i used for CRT when I had it, but it was running 1024x768 back then so no a big deal, but with newer monitors I can't find a single KVM switch that supports 1920x1200 plus hdmi/dvi..

 

[imaheadcase]

Doing some more research on subject. If a 2nd video card to run sli since mobo supports it, could I technically use that to power 2nd monitor, or would games still not work correctly because of just 1 OS installed? You can pick up a EVGA 8800gts 320meg on newegg for $114 now, which is what I have now.

The way its looking is I have to just get a 2nd monitor and use software (Input director or Synergy) to share mouse and keyboard between the 2 computers. Expensive route but seems more trouble than its worth to go about it sharing 2 computes with 1 monitor.

 

[Soundmanred]

Does that monitor only have one video input on it? I have 2 PCs hooked up to my Dell monitor, one through DVI, one 15Pin. I switch with a button on the front of the monitor, and use a KVM for the keyboard and mouse.

 

[imaheadcase]

I was thinking of that but going VGA would kinda take a hit in graphics. I think I'm just going to get a 2nd 24inch monitor..tired thinking